Royal Mile Edinburgh | Your Ultimate Photoshoot Tour
The Royal Mile is a photographer’s playground. From romantic couple shoots to playful family sessions, the Royal Mile offers everything from grand backdrops to quirky hidden gems. And if you love the idea of a little adventure, why not make it a treasure hunt-style photoshoot? We’ll wander through the closes, discover secret spots and make some incredible memories along the way.
Why is the Royal Mile so famous?
The Royal Mile feels like Scotland’s heart, it sits prominent right in the centre of Edinburgh and it’s holding cultural, historical and geographical importance.
It was a route travelled by royalty for hundreds of years, a 1.13- mile stretch (an old Scot’s mile) that connects Edinburgh Castle (which sits on top of an extinct volcano) to Holyrood Palace along a gentle tail of rock which was carved out by ice age glaciers. With over 80 narrow alleys (or “closes”) branching off the main street, it’s packed with hidden corners, incredible vistas, and stories waiting to be uncovered. In August, it becomes filled with entertainers as the centre of the famous Edinburgh Festival.
Can You Get Married on the Royal Mile?
Yes and I’d recommend it! The Royal Mile is packed with stunning wedding venues, from the famous Edinburgh Castle to the royal charm of Riddles Court, the romance of the Signet Library or the historic Edinburgh City Chambers. It’s the perfect spot for a city centre wedding with places for your guests to easily explore while you get photos taken around the cobbled streets.
Is the Royal Mile worth visiting for photos?
It’s a dream backdrop, picture yourself exploring with centuries-old cobblestones underfoot, charming medieval architecture around you, and maybe the distant sound of bagpipes echoing off the walls. It’s jam-packed with landmarks and hidden nooks that beg to be photographed, we can make your photo session an adventure as we uncover secret little worlds down some of the many closes.
Here are top pics of places to explore as you walk down the mile:-
Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade
At the top of the Royal Mile, the esplanade offers panoramic views and a striking setting with Edinburgh Castle as the centrepiece.
Camera Obscura
With its unique black and white dome, Camera Obscura is a quirky landmark that pops up in many Royal Mile photos. It’s a fun stop to explore the crazy mirrors outside, and if you love optical illusions, it’s worth exploring inside.
Riddles Close
Riddles Close is my favourite close on the Royal Mile. It leads you into Riddles Court with its quirky 16th-century architecture, external pentice staircase, and striking orange façade. The inside is just as striking with beautiful period features including the little window booths overlooking Victoria Street.
Gladstones Land
A restored example of an Edinburgh 17th century tenement, 6 storeys tall with an arcade frontage. It’s also a good coffee/hot chocolate stop!
Makar’s Court
I love this peaceful courtyard with its inscribed flagstones and romantic - swing around - traditional lamppost, perfectly sited with Lady Stair's House (the Writers Museum) behind.
Advocate’s Close
The archway into the narrow alleyway is famed for its framing of the Scott Monument. It’s a very busy spot and I would recommend better spots for a good view of the monument.
St Giles’ Cathedral
With its iconic crown steeple and intricate Gothic architecture, St Giles’ Cathedral is a striking backdrop for photos.
Parliament Square and Chambers Courtyard
Behind St Giles’, you’ll find the secluded, cobbled Parliament Square, surrounded by archways and interesting little photo spots. Across the road, the Chambers Courtyard also offers some great archways. I love exploring this area for some more intimate shots.
John Knox House
One of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, the John Knox House is a beautifully preserved slice of medieval Edinburgh — ideal for historic-themed shoots.
Chessels Court
Home to the hidden "Ivy Heart" wall, this secluded courtyard is home to the lovely "Ivy Heart" wall — a romantic, lesser-known spot for photos.
Canongate Tolbooth (Tolbooth Tavern)
I love the distinctive clock tower and stone staircase of the 16th-century Canongate Tolbooth which once served as the Canongate burgh’s Council Chamber, Prison and Court.
Bakehouse Close
Step back in time at Bakehouse Close with its stone steps and archways. If you’re an Outlander fan, you might recognise it as Jamie Fraser’s print shop.
White Horse Close
Once the palace’s ancient stables and later a coaching inn for weary travellers from London, White Horse Close is now a charmingly restored courtyard with a fairytale feel — perfect for cosy, intimate shots.
Holyrood Palace & Abbey
At the foot of the Mile, the area around Holyrood Palace is steeped in historic charm, perfectly contrasted by the bold, contemporary lines of the Scottish Parliament and Dynamic Earth — all set against the natural beauty of Holyrood Park.
Movie Photoshoot - What has been filmed on the Royal Mile?
If you’re a film buff, the Royal Mile is a star in its own right. Let’s bring a touch of cinematic flair to your shoot with a little walk through some iconic film spots:
Outlander - Bakehouse Close (Jamie Fraser’s print shop)
Avengers: Infinity War - Royal Mile, Cockburn Street & St Giles’ Cathedral
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga - Royal Mile & St Giles’ Cathedral
Cloud Atlas - Chambers Courtyard
T2 Trainspotting - Cockburn Street
Frankenstein (2024) - Various areas along the Royal Mile
Jude – Parliament Square
One Day – Parliament Square
Guilt – Various areas on the Royal Mile
Rebus – Various areas on the Royal Mile
Fast and Furious 9 – the High Street on the Royal Mile
📸 Want to capture your own movie-worthy moments? Let’s create a photoshoot inspired by these film locations.
Foodie Favourites
In my opinion, an adventure has to involve some tasty treats, if you’re the same, I’d recommend exploring some of these places around the Royal Mile.
- The Witchery – famed for it’s luxury food and opulent decor
- The Fudge House – tasty fudge (you can also watch the fudge being made)
- Gladstones Café – a beautiful place for a tasty hot chocolate and coffee
- Devils Advocate – great for whisky cocktails and food
Why Book a Royal Mile Photoshoot with Me?
Laid-Back & Fun Approach
No stiff poses here. I’ll guide you lightly when needed, but mostly I’ll encourage you to be yourselves — laugh, chat, explore — while I capture the natural moments. We’ll turn the photoshoot into more of a relaxed stroll (with a friend who happens to have a camera 😉). This keeps you comfortable and the photos genuine and joyful.
Local Knowledge
I’ve spent my life enjoying Edinburgh and know all the little tricks: which closes allow for a peaceful intimate moment, where you’ll get that picture postcard view of the Castle or which are the best shortcuts.
Adventure-Style Sessions
Let’s make it fun! How about a treasure hunt-style shoot where we explore the closes and hidden gems while I capture you discovering Edinburgh’s secret spots?
Photos That Feel Like You
My goal is always to deliver images that reflect your personalities and connection, you’re at the heart of the story with the Royal Mile as your stage.
A Shoot Tailored To You
Whether you’re enjoying fudge with your kids or sharing a quiet, nose-snuggling moment in a deserted close or looking fabulous in the golden light, I’ll tailor the shoot to your vibe. You’ll receive photos that are unmistakably you, in a place that’s unmistakably Edinburgh.
Royal Mile FAQs
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Walking straight down takes about 15 minutes, but for a photoshoot, we’ll slow down, explore, and really take in the atmosphere — usually around an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how many hidden spots we want to uncover.
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Absolutely! The Royal Mile is a public street, open 24/7, and it doesn’t cost a penny to explore area any time of day or night.
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Sunrise: Soft, golden and quiet. Ideal for a calm, intimate vibe.
Sunset: Bustling streets and warm, dusky light as the sun sets, we can capture the glow of the traditional street lamps.
Rain or Shine: A little drizzle or fog can add a moody, atmospheric feel — just bring a clear umbrella or just smile and embrace the rain! After all, a bit of unpredictable weather is part of the Edinburgh experience. 🌧️
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You really can’t miss it — just look up and head for the castle. It’s the main spine of Edinburgh’s Old Town, running from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace. If you’re coming from Waverley Station, you can choose between:
A quick climb up Fleshmarket Close or the colourful Scotsman Steps (steep but direct!)
A leisurely stroll around Jeffrey Steet
A scenic wander up Cockburn Street
P.S. As part of my Edinburgh Area Guide series, if you loved hearing about the Royal Mile, be sure to check out my other guides - like my recent blog on Calton Hill and it’s amazing viewpoints.